Ad Astra

The magazine of the
National Space Society

Volume 19, Number 1
Spring 2007

16SHUTTLE LAUNCH EXPERIENCE TO BLAST OFF FROM KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
A new attraction in Cape Canaveral is the first in a decade-long, $160 million expansion of the space center's Visitor Complex.
By Jim Banke

18PAROM:
RUSSIA'S RESPONSE TO A RETIRING SHUTTLE FLEET
As NASA moves to retire the shuttle fleet, Russia takes a serious look at creating a new workhorse for low Earth orbit.
By James Oberg

20A CHANGING OF THE GUARDThe changes in the United States Congress means more oversight and new challenges for NASA
By Brian Berger

27RECLAIMING THE MOON:
THE FIRST STEP
First the Moon, then Mars, then beyond.
by Richard Godwin

32LUNAR OBSERVATORIES:
GRAND PLANS VS. CLEAR PROBLEMS
Humans will return to the Moon no later than 2020, paving the way for treks to Mars and beyond. When liftoff happens, astronomers don't want to be left in the dust.
By Jeanna Bryner

36BUILDING OUR FUTURE
Our lives, and our civilization, have been enriched by NASA's ability to turn dreams into machines. I only want NASA to choose its dreams wisely.
By Andrew Chaikin

38SPACE SHUTTLE REVISITED, RE-ENVISIONED
If NASA can use the success of the Apollo-era space designs to return to the Moon, a reusable, fixed-wing orbiter might deserve a second look.
By Benjamin P. Martin

Departments:

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LETTER FROM
HEADQUARTERS
Participatory Exploration and the Future of Our Space Program
By George Whitesides, NSS Executive Director